Esslemont

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A family name of Scottish origin carried by various people, including a fantasy novelist who co-wrote the Malazan book series
2. A surname of Scottish descent borne by a number of individuals, among them a writer known for epic fantasy fiction
3. A hereditary family name of Scottish origin, shared by several people such as an author of the Malazan fantasy novels

Etymology: Esslemont is a Scottish surname that began as a place name. The estate of Esslemont lies in Aberdeenshire, in north-east Scotland, a short distance from the town of Ellon. Medieval Scottish landholders often took their surnames from the lands they held, and the name appears to have passed from the estate to the family who lived there. The exact meaning of the place name is uncertain. The surname is most often associated with north-east Scotland, and those who carry it today generally trace their name back to that local landholding rather than to any single famous bearer.